McLemore Avenue–in the tradition of instrumental groups like Booker T. & the MGs, Jimmy Smith, The Meters and Medeski, Martin, & Wood–combines elements of Southern soul,R&B, jazz and other genres with an original sound that is unique to Austin, Texas.

McLemore Avenue takes its name from the street in Memphis, Tennessee where STAX Records – a name synonymous with southern soul music – once stood. During the 1960’s and continuing into the early 1970’s, STAX was home to a host of legendary recording artists including Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Isaac Hayes – as well as Booker T & the MGs, who performed the dual role of house band and solo act. Currently at the original 926 E. McLemore Avenue location, stands ”Soulsville, USA” the STAX Museum of American Soul Music.

Austin’s McLemore Avenue continues where the studio left off, but with an original, southern-flavored sound all its own, with Patrick Benfield on the Hammond B-3 organ, guitarist Landis Armstrong, Chris Johnson on bass, Kevin Remme on drums, and John Bush on percussion.

“Interesting groove…sounds like the MGs meet the Ventures…I really like the guitar and especially like the B3 sound.”
-Steve Cropper, Stax producer/guitarist